Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Strange web searches that deposit readers at this blog

One of the more intriguing functions of a blog site meter is its ability to reveal what keyword search brought a particular reader to your pages (and do not worry, cravers of anonymity: the site meter cannot divulge your email address, simply your domain name).

Most of those who chance upon this site are drawn by searches that should end up here: "What is postcolonial theory" (Turkey); "Roger Caillois praying mantis" (Utrecht); even "one-eyed monsters" (Ontario). It's comforting to find that "postcolonial medievalists" is a fairly popular search, executed by readers in California, India, and London (the last one specifically from Lambeth ... could the Archbishop of Canterbury have taken a sudden interest in the postcolonial Middle Ages?) I have no idea why someone in Huntingdon, England, was seeking information on "carnivorous toads," but I'm pleased that this person actually found something relevant here.

Other searchers were no doubt disappointed in what they unearthed. I'd like to know more about the life of the internet user in Tokyo seeking information on "hyena zoophilia." Personally I have never been all that attracted to hyenas, and would like to know what all the fuss is about. Quite a few people seem to be interested in passionate relations between humans and bulls, if Google is to be believed. Only I could make that subject seem dull (check out "erotic animals" in the archive under 1/27/06).

Most puzzling of all to me, though, is the person in Pueblo Nuevo, Spain, who was researching "Middle Ages name of human meat" and "human flesh in European restaurants."

Hehehe, I just did a search on "carnivorous toads" because I was trying to find out if any carnivorous toads really exist - I'm writing a paper on Gerald and The Journey Through Wales. And it's due in 4 hours. Glad to be part of the Strange Web Search Club!